UN Warns of Possible HIV/AIDS Explosion in Somalia

From CDC National Prevention Information Network

August 16, 2005

In a report released today, the UN warned that Somalia -- which has been without a functioning government since 1991 -- could see an explosion of HIV/AIDS unless quick action is taken to reduce risk factors. Although HIV prevalence was low relative to some other areas of Africa, "The findings show that HIV will soon become a major health problem if concerted efforts are not put in place to contain the vulnerability factors fueling the epidemic," said the report. The 2004 survey that is the foundation of the report found Somalia's average HIV rate was 0.9 percent, but the rates climbed to 1 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively, in the self-declared autonomous zones of Puntland and Somaliliand. Risk factors that need to be addressed include female circumcision, commercial sex, unsafe blood transfusion, poor education and high mobility. If current efforts to restore a government succeed, the potential return of tens of thousands of Somali refugees could exacerbate the spread of HIV, according to humanitarian groups.

The Body is a service of Remedy Health Media, LLC, 750 3rd Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017. The Body and its logos are trademarks of Remedy Health Media, LLC, and its subsidiaries, which owns the copyright of The Body's homepage, topic pages, page designs and HTML code. General Disclaimer: The Body is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through The Body should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your health care provider.